So what does it mean to be a sustainable library?
Over the past 18 months, the library has completed over 150 tasks ranging from inventorying our trash, to building policies with sustainability in mind, to creating and nurturing community partnerships, and so much more.
In the meantime, you can download the slideshow outlining how we did it.
Sustainability is much more than green design applied through strategies such as the use of solar panels and LED lights. It’s the capacity to thrive. The ALA, NYLA and SLI have all adopted the Triple Bottom Line definition of sustainability. This consists of practices that are environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable. Libraries play an important and unique role in promoting community awareness about resilience, climate change, and a sustainable future. (source: https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org)
The Mamakating Library believes that in order to fulfill our purpose in serving the community, we must be engaged in the an ongoing effort to put into place policies and practices that address the full realm of sustainability. Decisions and practices take into consideration the “triple bottom line” definition of sustainability: to be truly sustainable an organization must embody practices that are environmentally sound, economically feasible and socially equitable. (Refer to Collection Development, Programming and financial control policies and the Personnel Manual.)
As we seek to reduce our impact on the environment, we are committed to continually evaluating our processes, and taking actions to conserve energy and water, support renewable energy resources, minimize pollution and waste. These efforts are extended to contractors serving or otherwise acting on behalf of the organization.
The Mamakating Library recognizes the important role libraries play in larger community conversations about resiliency and a sustainable future. We are committed to community engagement on issues related to sustainability through our facility, collections, programs and outreach activities.
Employee understanding and involvement are essential to the implementation of this policy. All employees will receive a copy of the policy upon hire and be educated about the library’s efforts to address the triple bottom line.
The Board of Trustees pledges its commitment to support sustainable principles that follow the triple-bottom line methodology to ensure a resilient, sustainable community and library for all residents.
The Mamakating Library strives to be a responsible steward of the environment and respectful of the social and financial consequences of its actions. In this way the Library considers the “triple bottom line of sustainability” when making purchases.
As an environmental steward, the Library strives to decrease its negative impact on land and water and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases it generates. Toward that end, the Library shall, wherever practical and efficient, endeavor to use environmentally sound procurement practices in purchasing supplies and equipment. Individuals making purchases for the Library shall take factors such as the following into consideration, although this is not an exhaustive list:
The Library also considers the following social factors when making procurement decisions:
Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the Library from considering a product or vendor that is more suitable for the intended use and/or available at a more competitive price that does not meet these aspirational standards.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Policy (April 2022)
Sustainable Purchasing Policy (July 2022)
